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I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the word “strong” lately. What does that actually mean? How can I use this word to help myself, or others? How can I help myself live a more abundant and meaningful life? Can I, me, one person, ACTUALLY help others along the way, too? These are all big topics, and thoughts, but I know that the answer is yes to every one of these. The only hard part is, it takes work. It takes work to be strong. It takes work to be independent, to give everything you have every day. It takes a lot of work.

So with all these thoughts, I’ve come up with my own answers on what “being strong” means to me.

Being strong isn’t just about going to the gym, and putting in work everyday. Sure, that has something to do with it, but that’s not what it’s all about. Here are some ways in which “being strong” has more meanings.

I got up when I didn’t want to. I might not have felt good, I might have been tired, sore, sleepy, depressed. But I did it. I got up, and I put my clothes on, and I’m conquering the day. That’s being strong.

I stood up for myself. I didn’t let my boss, friend, family, or co-worker speak to me in a manner that I didn’t like. I didn’t feel used or neglected. I stood my ground, said what I believe, and I did it with all the integrity, and grit I could. I wasn’t a pushover today. I stuck to the things I believe in, and I didn’t take no for an answer. That’s being strong.

I remembered what it’s like to not give up. I kept going today. If that means going to the gym when I didn’t want to, or leaving the house, or going to work, or doing whatever it took to make sure I am doing the best I can for me. I did it. I did it when I didn’t want to, and I conquered the shit out of it! That’s being strong.

I lifted someone else up. I decided that It’s not always all about me. It can be about other people, too. I supported a friend, coworker, spouse. I supported their dreams, wishes, thoughts. I helped motivate someone to do something they didn’t think they could. I am a team player. I set my views aside to help someone else. That’s being strong.

I surround myself with positive, like-minded people. I decided I didn’t want to live in the negative, anymore. I want to be happy, be positive, be inspiring. I want to live MY LIFE to the fullest. Whatever that means to me. I want to give my husband, and my child the best parts of me that I can. No matter what it takes. If that means going “out with the old” and “in with the new” I will do it. That’s being strong.

So you see, my friends. It’s really not about what you look like. What you wear. How your hair is done. How much money you have, the kind of car you drive, or who you are keeping up with or not. It’s about what is truly INSIDE of you that counts. Those are the things that you need to look inside of yourself, dig deep, and find. Sure, it might hurt to come up with the answers, sometimes. It might be scary as hell to do (it was for me) but I can promise it will be worth it in the end.

Hey Ya’ll! Happy Thirsty Thursday!! I’m so pumped today, because I’ve been waiting all week-long to tell you about one of my FAVORITE places to eat and have some margarita’s. In the small town of Forney, Texas! But you guys, I’m here to tell you, this is for SURE one of the best places in the land, that I’ve found!

Nestled in the quaint town of Forney, Texas – right outside the Dallas city limits, you will find a cute little mexican restaurant called Rio Lerma. When you walk inside, you won’t be disappointed. I PROMISE! This place has it all. From Hamburgers, to Tex-Mex, to some authentic dishes, and even a pasta section, you’re pallet will be so EXCITED!

You know what’s even better? On Wednesdays, they offer .99 cent margarita’s! Did you hear me correctly? .99 CENT MARGARITA’S! So, if there isn’t another reason to go there and try it out, this would be it! I can promise you, the margaritas don’t disappoint either. You can only have 2, but if you’re like me, 2 is really all you need.

If you’re into Karaoke, they even have that on the weekends.

Honestly, this is one of my favorite local places to eat, drink, and have fun conversations with our friends. The staff is AMAZING. They have known our daughter since she was growing in my belly, and when I call to make reservations on Wednesday’s – they know me by name.

So, if you’re in the area, or visiting the great city of Dallas, Texas – I recommend you take a stroll outside the city limits, and try this place out. I promise, you will be happy you did!

If you can’t tell by my posts, I like to relax with a cocktail or 2 occasionally, (ok- I really like wine…like REALLY like wine!) So I decided to start a new segment with this blog featuring some local restaurants, wineries, breweries, or bars with some of my favorite foods, drinks, etc!

I started last week, but, well, life happened and I didn’t get to post anything about the location that I was featuring. So this week we will have a 2 part segment- consider yourselves lucky!

The first place that I want to tell you all about is a brewery that’s close to our house, and oh so tasty! They are fairly new. My husband and I went to their grand opening a couple years ago, and we have been hooked since! Woodcreek Brewing Company is one of the coolest, most relaxed places to visit if you are in Rockwall, Texas. They have a fun atmosphere, this life sized Jenga game, and all of the staff is VERY friendly. You can tour the site, and learn how they make some of their beers. And while you’re there, you might as well taste them! No matter what you have in mind, they have something to cater to anyone’s pallet. Go check them out!

The next place that I want to talk about is Revolver Brewing This place has one of my MOST FAVORITE beers in the planet. I mean, seriously ya’ll- this beer is amazing. Blood and Honey! It’s like a blue moon, but stronger, and even tastier! If you are in Grandbury, Texas you need to go by this place. But if you are local, you can find their beers in almost any grocery store now, too! That makes this mommy VERY HAPPY! I’m telling you- this beer is SOO good, I even got some of my family members on it, and they live in South Carolina! Guess they just have to come visit us more often! 🙂

Well, that’s all I have for now. Stay tuned for more places around here, because believe me, I have more to come!

Before my daughter was born, I swore I wouldn’t be one of those parents that put all those crazy bows on my child. I don’t know, I’m just not into that fashion trend. We tend to keep things a little more light and airy around our house, and in our wardrobe. So, this sweet friend of mine, who happens to own a bow boutique sent me 2 of her handmade bows. Ya’ll, I’m here to tell you they are GREAT!

First of all, Jamie has been blessed with my small head. That’s a blessing and a curse. The trouble is that no headband really seems to fit her. I have a few that work, but most of them are too big. But the bows from 2ndavenueboutique work great. The elastic on these headbands are PERFECT! They aren’t too snug, nor are they too big. When she moves, they seem to move right with her.

Melissa-the owner of 2ndavenue boutique can do pretty much anything too! As you know, our family is a Clemson Tiger family. (National Champs… WHAT, WHAT!!) Knowing that, Melissa made the CUTEST headband for Jamie! It’s a little bigger than I would have picked out for her, but OH MY GOODNESS, it’s still perfect!

Obviously Jamie loves this bow too. Can’t you tell from her expression?!

There are so many other options that Melissa can do. She’s made bow ties for the men, even a tutu for a wedding! Whatever you can dream of, I’m sure that she can do it. The sky’s the limit with this boutique!

Are these not perfect?! And if you really still don’t believe that she can do anything and everything, look at this cute puppy!

So do me a favor, my family and friends. Go Here and check out her etsy shop! You won’t be sorry that you did. I promise you, I’m not!